Osteochondrosis is a disease based on degenerative-dystrophic changes that occur in the intervertebral discs, vertebrae and small joints of the spine. Osteochondrosis is a faithful companion of the elderly. But more and more often it is diagnosed in young people, which is probably due to a predominantly sedentary job, an unhealthy lifestyle and little physical activity. We can safely assume that the majority of the adult population has signs of osteochondrosis.
The reasons
The elasticity of the spine, its mobility and ability to withstand physical activity, depend mainly on the state of the intervertebral discs. The pathological process of osteochondrosis is based on the malnutrition of the structures of the spinal column, in particular the intervertebral disc. This leads to changes in the normal structure of tissues, the intervertebral disc loses its elasticity, changes its shape. Such metamorphoses lead to narrowing of the intervertebral discs and, as a result, compression of the nerve roots. Actually, these changes explain the appearance of neurological symptoms, in particular, back pain in osteochondrosis.
In the future, degenerative processes occur in the small joints of the spine, bone growths are formed on the surface of the vertebrae. All of these changes lead to decreased flexibility of the spine.
Similar transformations of cartilage and bone tissues are the result of physiological aging of the body. But under the influence of certain unfavorable factors, dystrophic changes in the intervertebral joints occur ahead of time.These factors include:
- Obesity;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- Hard physical work;
- Professions characterized by prolonged standing or sitting during working hours;
- Flat feet, valgus deformity of the feet;
- spinal deformities;
- Autoimmune connective tissue diseases;
- Fluctuations in the hormonal background (pregnancy, menopause);
- Doing great sports;
- stress;
- spinal injuries, etc.
Types of osteochondrosis
The features of the clinical picture of the disease depend on which particular segment of the spine the pathological process arose.There are the following types of osteochondrosis:
- Cervical;
- thoracic;
- Lumbar.
cervical osteochondrosis
Osteochondrosis of the cervical region is common. The muscular skeleton of the neck is quite poorly developed, therefore, against the background of osteochondrosis, even with an insignificant load, the vertebrae are displaced, and as a result, the vessels and nerves of the neck are compressed. This explains the details of the clinical picture in osteochondrosis of the cervical region.
So, the main signs of cervical osteochondrosis include:
- Constant pain in the neck and occipital region, aggravated by movement in the neck;
- Hemicranial type pain - in one hemisphere;
- dizziness, tinnitus;
- Pain in the hands;
- Sensation of numbness and tingling in the hands.
Thoracic osteochondrosis
The defeat of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is quite rare. The main prerequisite for the development of the disease is the presence of spinal deformities.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis:
- Dull, aching pain in the chest, which is often clingy in nature;
- Increased pain when turning the body, sneezing, coughing, laughing;
- Visceral pain in the region of the heart, right hypochondrium, abdomen;
- Numbness, paresthesias in the skin of the chest.
lumbar osteochondrosis
The most common variant of osteochondrosis. This is probably due to the fact that the greatest load falls directly on the lumbar region.Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- Pain, less often sharp pain in the lower back, which increases with movement or prolonged exposure to a static position;
- Feeling of stiffness in the lower back;
- To reduce pain, a person takes a forced position;
- Aching or sharp pains (like lumbago) in the buttock, thigh, lower leg;
- Tingling, paresthesias in the legs.
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Diagnosis of osteochondrosis
Radiation methods are used to detect osteochondrosis: radiography, MRI and computed tomography of the spine. The most characteristic and, above all, early sign of osteochondrosis is a decrease in the height of the intervertebral space.
In the later stages of the degenerative process, marginal growths (osteophytes) appear on the surface of the vertebrae. They are easier to detect on lateral radiographs because the osteophytes are located anterior and posterior to the vertebrae.
Also, with osteochondrosis, the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae are displaced, which can also be determined on an X-ray.
Treatment of osteochondrosis
The treatment of osteochondrosis is all the more effective the earlier it is started. As already mentioned, osteochondrosis is a change in the structure of the intervertebral discs, the vertebrae. Unfortunately, many people ignore back pain for a long time and do not go to a doctor in a timely manner, missing the moment when it is still possible to stop the pathological process.
Treatment of osteochondrosis is carried out with the help of drugs, physiotherapy exercises, massage, surgery.
Medical therapy:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, ointments, injections to relieve pain;
- muscle relaxants;
- Chondroprotectors - promote the regeneration of affected cartilage;
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- vasodilator drugs;
- Drugs that normalize tissue metabolism.
After eliminating the exacerbation of the disease, you need to proceed to rehabilitation. So physiotherapy is a very important aspect in the fight against osteochondrosis. Performing certain exercises contributes to the formation of a muscular corset. This is extremely important, because it is thanks to a strong muscular corset that the physical load is evenly distributed along the spine. With regular performance of a series of exercises, the stiffness of the spine will disappear and the range of motion will increase. Massage, physical therapy, reflexology, and spinal traction will help enhance the effect of physical therapy exercises.
When complications appear in the form of intervertebral hernia, sciatica, and if conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention is resorted to. The goal of surgical treatment is to eliminate compression of the nerve roots and blood vessels, as well as to stabilize the structure of the intervertebral disc or vertebrae.
Treatment of osteochondrosis at home
Folk remedies will help relieve the symptoms of osteochondrosis, but in no case can they replace the main treatment. On the Internet you can find a large number of alternative methods of treatment, but not all of them are safe, so be sure to consult your doctor.
Traditional medicine
The general principle of folk treatment of osteochondrosis is the use of substances that have an irritating effect. As a result, there is an improvement in the blood supply in a certain area of the body, as well as a decrease in pain.
In folk medicine, such a rubbing recipe is known: mix 0. 25 cups of vodka with 0. 5 cups of honey, add 0. 75 cups of grated radish and two tablespoons of salt. With the resulting mixture, it is necessary to rub the bothersome area of the back twice a day. The procedure must be repeated within a week.
To eliminate pain, you can apply a potato compress to your back. Grated raw potatoes should be mixed with honey in equal proportions. Then wrap the resulting mixture in gauze, attach it to the back and wrap it with a scarf. You can also use a compress with burdock. To prepare it, pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of finely chopped burdock leaves. Wrap the mixture in gauze and apply on the back for half an hour. After removing the compress, be sure to wrap a warm scarf around your back.
You can make it even easier: grate the radish, put it in a cotton sock, and then lie on it.
Note:it is important to be careful when using folk remedies, not to touch your face with your hands. Radish and other plants, if they come into contact with the eyes, can cause a burn to the cornea.
Physiotherapy
Physical exercises can only be done outside periods of exacerbation. In acute pain, you should refrain from gymnastics, as this will only lead to increased pain.
An example set of exercises might look like this:
- Lie on your back and stretch your legs. Pull the foot of the right foot toward you and the ball of the left foot away from you. This must be done in sequence.
- Lying on your back, place your hands behind your neck. The legs should be together and bent at the knees. The knees should bend to the left side, and the head should be turned in the opposite direction. Wait just a few seconds. Then move your knees to the right and your head to the left.
- Lie on your back, with your arms alongside your body. You have to bend your knees and lift your pelvis. Stay in this position for a few seconds. As you exhale, lower your pelvis.
- Surround yourself by your side. Straighten your top leg and move it from side to side.
- Starting position on all fours. Arch your back, hold this for just a few seconds, and then arch your lower back.
- Roll on your back. Pull your bent left knee toward your right elbow and then vice versa.